UK Racecourses – Complete Directory of British Horse Racing Tracks
A complete guide to all 59 active racecourses in Great Britain, organised by region. Includes every flat racing track, National Hunt jump racing venue and all-weather racecourse in England, Scotland and Wales — each linked directly to the official racecourse website. From the iconic stages of Cheltenham, Ascot and Aintree to beloved regional tracks, find every UK racing venue here.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK Racecourses
How many racecourses are there in the UK?
There are 59 active licensed racecourses in Great Britain as of 2025, regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). England has 51 racecourses, Scotland has five (Ayr, Hamilton Park, Kelso, Musselburgh and Perth), and Wales has three (Bangor-on-Dee, Chepstow and Ffos Las). Together they hosted over 1,400 fixtures in 2024, attracting nearly five million spectators.
What are the most famous racecourses in the UK?
The most prestigious UK racecourses include Cheltenham (home of the Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup), Ascot (Royal Ascot in June), Aintree (the Grand National), Epsom (the Derby and Oaks), Newmarket (headquarters of flat racing), Goodwood (Glorious Goodwood), and York (the Ebor Festival).
Which UK racecourses have all-weather tracks?
Five British racecourses have all-weather (artificial surface) tracks: Chelmsford City, Lingfield Park, Newcastle, Southwell and Wolverhampton. Chelmsford and Wolverhampton are exclusively all-weather venues, while the other three also maintain turf tracks. All-weather racing takes place year-round and is not affected by the weather conditions that can cause turf meetings to be abandoned.
What is the difference between flat racing and jump racing in the UK?
Flat racing takes place on level ground without obstacles, over distances from 5 furlongs to 2½ miles. The flat season in Britain runs roughly from March to November. Jump racing (National Hunt) involves horses racing over hurdles or fences, typically over longer distances of 2 to 4½ miles. The National Hunt season peaks in winter and spring, culminating in the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Grand National at Aintree in April.
Which racecourses have closed in the UK?
Two racecourses have closed since 2000: Folkestone in Kent (closed 2012) and Towcester in Northamptonshire (ceased horse racing operations in 2024 with its future uncertain). Both closures were driven by financial pressures and the concentration of racing at larger, more commercially viable venues.
